“Yeah. Definitely different. I mean, this morning we were strangers, and now we’re, well,” his voice trailed off.
“Here,” I suggested. “Together.”
“Exactly.”
I looked up at him, craning my neck thanks to our height difference. “I want you to know that I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Like what?”
“Kissing a stranger on a tropical island.”
“Are we kissing?” he asked.
“No, but we’re about to.”
“Is that right?” He raised his eyebrows, as if to challenge me.
“I mean, I’d like to,” I admitted.
“In that case, I guess I’ll have to. I mean, how else am I going to get to taste the dulce de leche ice cream?” he asked, nodding at my empty bowl. Then he lowered his head and our lips met tentatively.
“It’s the only way,” I agreed. I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamlike state, as Beckett’s mouth melted into mine.
Chapter 14
I reach into the freezer for the half-eaten pint of AmeriCone Dream. After all, one cannot be hung up on by an old-lover-turned-celebrity without appropriately wallowing in some vice. And if my chosen act of personal self-destruction comes by way of potential cavities? Well, so be it.
I can’tbelievehim.
Read the whole thing,he told me. No,admonishedme is more like it. Like I’m some sort ofchild.
I can’t do it right now. It’s Monday night, for God’s sake. I need to prep for school tomorrow.
This apartment is too quiet.
All I can hear are the words spinning in the empty air around me.
I think I lost you.
I fell in love with you.
Read the whole thing.
Fuck.
I decide to go the original route and call Evan. He picks up right away. “Hey, Melody. To what do I owe the late-night honor?”
“I’m sorry, Ev. Is it too late to call? That’s my bad.”
“Not too late forme. Too late foryou! You’re the one who rocks that senior citizen lifestyle. Shouldn’t you be drinking your evening Metamucilin your housecoat or something?”
“Wow, Evan. Just wow.” I laugh, though, which I’m sure was the point.
“What’s up for real, though? You okay? Itisa little late.”
“Yeah,” I say, trying to shake off the interaction I just had with Beckett. “Quick question, and then we can talk more later in the week.”
“Sure. Shoot.”
